SNP in tailspin as Scotland faces being thrown under bus in new Brexit deal with Denmark

BBC audience member thrashes Sturgeon for 'divisive' indy plans

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The Scottish Government insisted it was of “pressing” importance Number 10 does more to ensure the protection of farmers north of the border after Brexit. But despite being told reciprocal trade – as opposed to a one-way movement of goods – with the EU “remains the desired outcome”, Holyrood believes much more needs to be done to prove this yet.

One particularly contentious issue regarding Scottish trade relates to the exporting of seed potatoes.

Many believe that, while much attention was granted to post-Brexit fishing rights and the Northern Ireland Protocol, the seed potato was left behind.

The product did not make the list of food exports continuing to the EU following the UK’s withdrawal.

Reports suggest the trade of these potatoes to the bloc used to be worth around £10million.

Most of these were – and still are, despite the difficulties that has resulted from hampered trade – grown in Scotland.

Now, the SNP is fearful of a possible new UK deal with Denmark that would further sideline Scotland in the movement of the good.

Scottish Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “I have… become aware that the UK has recently received an equivalence application from Denmark.

“If granted, this would allow Danish seed access to the UK.

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“It is unacceptable that the UK Government should give consideration to this request while Scottish seed potato exporters cannot market their world-leading product to the EU.”

She added: “I am writing this week to raise my concerns with Minister Prentis on this matter.”

It is not just Scottish exporters who are concerned about the trade of seed potatoes but EU importers, too.

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One question submitted to the European Parliament yesterday, on Wednesday, read: “Prior to Brexit, there was a substantial and reciprocal trade in seed potatoes between the UK and the rest of the EU. This included a large quantity of high quality, disease-free seed potato exports from Scotland.

“Since January 2021 this trade has been halted, impacting EU farmers previously dependent on Scottish imports as well as the economy of Scotland, a country which voted to remain in the EU.”

A further concern in the ongoing trade dispute relates to where English producers choose to import their seed potatoes.

Responding to a question submitted to the Scottish Government, Ms McAllan echoed fears that English potato growing businesses are preparing to import their seed not from Scotland but from the EU as new trade routes are opened.

She said: “I share the concern of the Scottish seed potato sector, and the lack of a level playing field which allows ware growers in England and Wales to purchase EU seed, whilst Scottish growers are blocked from selling their seed in the EU.”

Ms McAllan stressed that this “imbalance” was “unacceptable” and must be addressed urgently.

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